Where to start with decluttering your home?

Start small. Most of us are put off by the sheer volume of things to sort through and how to get rid of it all. Starting out small keeps things simple. You can easily dispose of two or three things, rather than huge boxes. Set realistic tasks that are achievable and work around your schedule. By deciding that today you are going to sort out one desk drawer or even just allocating 10 minutes to decluttering, you’re avoiding the feelings of being overwhelmed which (almost!) eliminates the risk of giving up.

Don’t buy loads of storage containers. According to decluttering experts, this is a big mistake for many. Before you decide to re-organise your spaces in cute baskets or clear plastic boxes, you need to know what you already have. Chances are, you’ve done this before and you already have lots of storage containers or even just normal boxes that can be repurposed. Take your time and take stock.

Set targets. Setting weekly or monthly targets can help get you out of the decluttering rut. Seven cupboards in seven days, 30 items in 30 days… take your pick of challenges and get started! Not everyone has a team of professionals working 12 hour days for a week to organise their spaces so go easy on yourself, it’s a work in progress!

Plan your next steps. This is where it all starts to go wrong for most of us. We have piles of bags and boxes stacked in the corner to get rid of, but no idea what to do with them. Research and decide in advance where everything is going. Call ahead to charity shops, second hand shops, local associations and upcycling companies, recycling centres in your area to make sure they can accept your items.

Know when to stop! When deciding on what to ditch and what to keep, keep a clear focus of the home you want to live in in mind. While the idea of living in a minimalist space can be appealing, it may not be very practical. Stripping back your rooms, removing furniture, soft furnishings etc may seem like a good idea at the time, but what about your weekend lie-ins, or cosy winter nights in? Your home must remain your home, not a Pinterest showroom. We highly recommend keeping your made to measure curtains and blinds, cosy throws and anything else that makes your home your own. On the other side, if you are in need of updating your rooms, check out our eco-conscious fabrics for a sustainable upgrade.